Airlines based in the Pacific region are forecasted to require 920 new aircraft over the next 20 years, according to the latest Airbus Global Market Forecast.
The outlook was generated by an average growth in passenger traffic in the region of 3.2% per annum, Airbus said.
The forecast was presented by Stephen Forshaw, Airbus chief representative for Australia, New Zealand (ANZ) and the Pacific on the eve of the Avalon Airshow in Melbourne, which will take place between February 28 and March 5, 2023.
The forecasted new aircraft for the Pacific region includes around 750 single-aisle aircraft like the A220 and A320 families and around 170 widebodies like the A330neo and A350.
Airbus said that around 55% of this demand will be for growth and 45% will be to replace aircraft currently in service.
“We are already seeing steady recovery in global air traffic and a renewed confidence in the growth of the industry. This is particularly evident in the Pacific region, where we are seeing a surge in travel demand and an increase in flights to and from key destinations,” Forshaw said in a statement.
“A priority for airlines in this region is ensuring that the air transport sector can grow in a sustainable way. This has become an increasingly important factor when airlines make fleet decisions and Airbus is well-placed with the modern and comprehensive product line available today, offering a reduction in fuel consumption and emissions of up to 25%,” Forshaw added.
Airbus had recently entered into significant partnerships with Pacific region-based airlines during the past year in order to advance its sustainability goals. This includes Air New Zealand’s ‘Mission Next Gen Aircraft’, where Airbus is a major partner to develop next generation aircraft for the future to replace the airline’s domestic fleet with a more sustainable option from 2030.
And there’s also Airbus’ joint fund with Qantas to encourage industry to develop the necessary ecosystem in Australia.
The Pacific region is a key market for Airbus, with 170 Airbus aircraft currently in service with airlines in Australia, Fiji, New Caledonia, New Zealand, and the Solomon Islands.
Another 166 aircraft are currently on order for future delivery to Pacific carriers.